Objective: 

Students will analyze data about a fictional 1850 territory’s geography, population, and resources to propose improvements using a limited budget, integrating decision-making based on historical and geographical data.

Materials Needed: 

• Paper maps of U.S. territories in 1750

• worksheets with data on land use vegetation, wildlife, population, and transportation.

Steps:

• Introduction: 

  • The teacher introduces the class to the states and territories that existed in 1850, highlighting key geographical features such as rivers, mountain ranges, and plant regions. 

  • She explains that students will act as city managers for a colony in 1850, analyzing data to decide how to allocate funds for improvement.

• Activity: 

  • Students are given a scenario where they must use data on population density, vegetation, and transportation options to decide where to spend limited funds to improve their colony. 

  • They work in small groups to examine maps and datasets, focusing on historical geography and resource allocation. 

  • Each group makes decisions on funding improvements, such as building new roads or planting crops, and predicts the potential outcomes based on the data.

• Presentation: 

  • Students present their improvement plans to the class, explaining their decisions and supporting them with data from their analysis of the territory's geographical features and resources.

Equity and Access: 

Provide differentiated graphic organizers for students needing additional support and pair students in mixed-ability groups to encourage collaboration.

Real-World Connection: 

Relate the activity to modern urban planning, where city officials must analyze data to make decisions about infrastructure, services, and environmental impact.

CS Practice(s): 

• Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems: students identify and address problems in land use and resource allocation using data analysis.

Standard(s): 

• CA HSS 5.8.2

• CA CS 3-5.DA.9 

Objective: 

Students will use a digital simulation to collect and analyze data on a fictional 1750 territory, using that information to make decisions on how to improve the region's infrastructure and resources.

Materials Needed: 

• Computers or tablets with access to a digital city management simulation platform (e.g., SimCityEdu or similar educational software).

Steps:

• Introduction: 

  • The teacher introduces the students to U.S. states and territories in 1750, focusing on major geographical features like rivers and mountain ranges. 

  • Students learn they will take on the role of city managers in a digital simulation, where they will use data on population, transportation, land use, and climate to make decisions about how to improve their colony with a limited budget.

• Activity:

  • In pairs, students log into the simulation and create a digital map similar to the geographical features of their 1850 territory. 

  • They analyze data on key factors such as land use, transportation systems, and population density, then use this information to allocate funds to build roads, enhance services, or improve agriculture. 

  • As they adjust their city plans, the simulation provides real-time feedback on the outcomes of their decisions, allowing students to refine their strategies based on the data.

• Presentation: 

  • After completing the simulation, students share their results with the class, comparing the outcomes of their decisions with those of their peers and reflecting on how their data-driven choices impacted their colony’s growth.

Equity and Access: 

Provide pre-configured simulations for students who need extra assistance. Offer verbal guidance or visual aids for students struggling with the digital interface.

Real-World Connection: 

Connect the lesson to current urban planning technologies that use data and simulations to forecast the impacts of infrastructure projects and resource management.

CS Practice(s): 

• Creating Computational Artifacts: Students create and test digital city plans using data from the simulation. Collaborating Around Computing: Students collaborate in pairs to run a simulation and interpret data.

Standard(s): 

• CA HSS 5.8.2

• CA CS 3-5.DA.9